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Gullivers Travels to Lilliput and Brobdingnag
Barron's brand new series of Classic Novels present complete, unabridged editions of six literary masterworks -- titles frequently taught as part of high school English curricula. However, all books in this series contain far more than simple text. Each title also gives students --
-- An illustrated introduction that places the novel and it author within the larger context of world history and literature
-- Glossary notes on every page that explain unfamiliar words and phrases
-- Running commentaries that summarize the narrative's action in sentence or two, located either at the start of each chapter or at the bottom of each page
-- Fast Forward and Rewind features -- time savers that allow readers the option of skim-reading parts of the text without losing the story's sense
-- A concluding chapter-by-chapter study guide that analyzes the novel and points out details that students should understand and rememberEdited by experienced educators, Barron's Classic Novels offer an entirely original approach to great works of American and English literature. These volumes serve as ideal classroom textbooks, and help to make many of the world's great novels approachable and enjoyable to students.
-- An illustrated introduction that places the novel and it author within the larger context of world history and literature
-- Glossary notes on every page that explain unfamiliar words and phrases
-- Running commentaries that summarize the narrative's action in sentence or two, located either at the start of each chapter or at the bottom of each page
-- Fast Forward and Rewind features -- time savers that allow readers the option of skim-reading parts of the text without losing the story's sense
-- A concluding chapter-by-chapter study guide that analyzes the novel and points out details that students should understand and rememberEdited by experienced educators, Barron's Classic Novels offer an entirely original approach to great works of American and English literature. These volumes serve as ideal classroom textbooks, and help to make many of the world's great novels approachable and enjoyable to students.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1726
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337 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Swift
5,025 books2,163 followersJonathan Swift was an Anglo-Irish satirist, author, essayist, political pamphleteer (first for the Whigs, then for the Tories), poet, and Anglican cleric who became Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, hence his common sobriquet, "Dean Swift".
Swift is remembered for works such as A Tale of a Tub (1704), An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity (1712), Gulliver's Travels (1726), and A Modest Proposal (1729). He is regarded by the Encyclopædia Britannica as the foremost prose satirist in the English language. He originally published all of his works under pseudonyms—such as Lemuel Gulliver, Isaac Bickerstaff, M.B. Drapier—or anonymously. He was a master of two styles of satire, the Horatian and Juvenalian styles.
His deadpan, ironic writing style, particularly in A Modest Proposal, has led to such satire being subsequently termed "Swiftian".
Swift is remembered for works such as A Tale of a Tub (1704), An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity (1712), Gulliver's Travels (1726), and A Modest Proposal (1729). He is regarded by the Encyclopædia Britannica as the foremost prose satirist in the English language. He originally published all of his works under pseudonyms—such as Lemuel Gulliver, Isaac Bickerstaff, M.B. Drapier—or anonymously. He was a master of two styles of satire, the Horatian and Juvenalian styles.
His deadpan, ironic writing style, particularly in A Modest Proposal, has led to such satire being subsequently termed "Swiftian".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 21, 2020
4.5 stars
Published 50 years before America became the United States. Divided into four sections. The familiar first section finds Gulliver held captive by six inch tall Lilliputians.
“The tiny Lilliputians surmise that Gulliver's watch may be his god, because it is that which, he admits, he seldom does anything without consulting.”
As he walks the said roads, he shall take the utmost care not to trample upon the bodies of any of our loving subjects, their horses, or carriages, nor take any of our said subjects into his hands, without their own consent.
― Jonathan Swift
Swift ground his political ax throughout Gullivers Travels. Big reversal on Guliver's next trip, A Voyage to Brobdingnag. Grass tall as trees. Gulliver passed like a salt shaker from a farmer to the King. Satire dripping like raindrops off eaves, after a typhoon.
"There was a woman with a cancer in her breast, swelled to a monstrous size, full of holes, in two or three of which I could have easily crept, and covered my whole body. There was a fellow with a wen in his neck, larger than five woolpacks, and another with a couple of wooden legs, each about twenty foot high. But, the most hateful sight of all was the lice crawling on their clothes. I could see distinctly the limbs of these vermin with my naked eyes, much better than those of an European louse through a microscope, and their snouts with which they rooted like swine."
-Jonathan Swift
The next chapter- A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubdrib and Japan, contrasts several cultures, including an island of elites, in the air. Laputa- a floating island where Gulliver meets its inhabitants, a peculiar bunch who have very limited attention spans and are especially interested in music, astrology, and power:
"That the system of living contrived by me was unreasonable and unjust, because it supposed a perpetuity of youth, health, and vigor, which no man could be so foolish to hope, however extravagant he might be in his wishes. That the question therefore was not whether a man would choose to be always in the primes of youth, attended with prosperity and health, but how he would pass a perpetual life under all the usual disadvantages which old age brings along with it. For although few men will avow their desires of being immortal upon such hard conditions, yet in the two kingdoms before-mentioned of Balnibari an Japan, he observed that every man desired to put off death for some time longer, let it approach ever so late, and he rarely heard of any man who died willingly, except he were incited by the extremity of grief or torture. And he appealed to me whether in those countries I had traveled, as well as my own, I had not observed the same general disposition."
-Jonathan Swift
The fourth and last section, A Voyage to the Land of the Houyhnhnms, introduces a race of talking horses. The noble Houyhnhnms are the rulers while the deformed, depraved creatures that resemble human beings are called Yahoos. The horsemen leaders value reason over emotion.
"A First or Chief Minister of State, whom I intended to describe, was a creature wholly exempt from joy and grief, love and hatred, pity and anger; at least made use of no other passions but a violent desire of wealth, power, and titles; that he applies his words to all uses, except to the indication of his mind; that he never tells a truth, but with an intent that you should take it for a lie; nor a lie, but with a design that you should take it for a truth; that those he speaks worst of behind their backs are in the surest way to preferment; and whenever he begins to praise you to others or to yourself, you are from that day forlorn. The worst mark you can receive is a promise, especially when it is confirmed with an oath; after which every wise man retires, and gives over all hopes."
-Jonathan Swift
Swift's satire proves some things never change. 5 star polictical satire. 4 star entertainment=4.5 stars!
Published 50 years before America became the United States. Divided into four sections. The familiar first section finds Gulliver held captive by six inch tall Lilliputians.
“The tiny Lilliputians surmise that Gulliver's watch may be his god, because it is that which, he admits, he seldom does anything without consulting.”
As he walks the said roads, he shall take the utmost care not to trample upon the bodies of any of our loving subjects, their horses, or carriages, nor take any of our said subjects into his hands, without their own consent.
― Jonathan Swift
Swift ground his political ax throughout Gullivers Travels. Big reversal on Guliver's next trip, A Voyage to Brobdingnag. Grass tall as trees. Gulliver passed like a salt shaker from a farmer to the King. Satire dripping like raindrops off eaves, after a typhoon.
"There was a woman with a cancer in her breast, swelled to a monstrous size, full of holes, in two or three of which I could have easily crept, and covered my whole body. There was a fellow with a wen in his neck, larger than five woolpacks, and another with a couple of wooden legs, each about twenty foot high. But, the most hateful sight of all was the lice crawling on their clothes. I could see distinctly the limbs of these vermin with my naked eyes, much better than those of an European louse through a microscope, and their snouts with which they rooted like swine."
-Jonathan Swift
The next chapter- A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubdrib and Japan, contrasts several cultures, including an island of elites, in the air. Laputa- a floating island where Gulliver meets its inhabitants, a peculiar bunch who have very limited attention spans and are especially interested in music, astrology, and power:
"That the system of living contrived by me was unreasonable and unjust, because it supposed a perpetuity of youth, health, and vigor, which no man could be so foolish to hope, however extravagant he might be in his wishes. That the question therefore was not whether a man would choose to be always in the primes of youth, attended with prosperity and health, but how he would pass a perpetual life under all the usual disadvantages which old age brings along with it. For although few men will avow their desires of being immortal upon such hard conditions, yet in the two kingdoms before-mentioned of Balnibari an Japan, he observed that every man desired to put off death for some time longer, let it approach ever so late, and he rarely heard of any man who died willingly, except he were incited by the extremity of grief or torture. And he appealed to me whether in those countries I had traveled, as well as my own, I had not observed the same general disposition."
-Jonathan Swift
The fourth and last section, A Voyage to the Land of the Houyhnhnms, introduces a race of talking horses. The noble Houyhnhnms are the rulers while the deformed, depraved creatures that resemble human beings are called Yahoos. The horsemen leaders value reason over emotion.
"A First or Chief Minister of State, whom I intended to describe, was a creature wholly exempt from joy and grief, love and hatred, pity and anger; at least made use of no other passions but a violent desire of wealth, power, and titles; that he applies his words to all uses, except to the indication of his mind; that he never tells a truth, but with an intent that you should take it for a lie; nor a lie, but with a design that you should take it for a truth; that those he speaks worst of behind their backs are in the surest way to preferment; and whenever he begins to praise you to others or to yourself, you are from that day forlorn. The worst mark you can receive is a promise, especially when it is confirmed with an oath; after which every wise man retires, and gives over all hopes."
-Jonathan Swift
Swift's satire proves some things never change. 5 star polictical satire. 4 star entertainment=4.5 stars!
October 24, 2022
I liked the concept but the stories were not as captivating as I had hoped. Maybe it was just the style of writing!
November 27, 2012
Ketika mendengar “Gulliver’s Travels”, yang terbayang di benak orang pastilah sesosok pria yang terjebak di Negeri Lilliput. Namun sesungguhnya, buku Gulliver’s Travels sendiri terdiri dari empat kisah perjalanan, sebagai berikut:
1. A Voyage to Lilliput
2. A Voyage to Brobdingnag
3. A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubdrib, and Japan
4. A Voyage to the Country of the Houyhnhnms
Dua diantaranya yaitu Perjalanan ke Negeri Lilliput (negeri orang berukuran mini) dan Negeri Brobdingnag (negeri raksasa) dihimpun dalam buku yang saya baca ini. Pada awal buku, dijelaskan mengenai latar belakang Lemuel Gulliver, pekerjaan dan bidang yang ia tekuni, serta bagaimana ia memulai perjalanannya. Dikisahkan bahwa Gulliver adalah seorang pria yang gemar melakukan perjalanan. Sisanya, adalah berbagai hal yang dialami Gulliver selama berada di Negeri Lilliput dan Negeri Brobdingnag, yang mana plotnya tidak akan banyak saya bocorkan disini, lebih seru membacanya sendiri! :)
Jonathan Swift menulis Gulliver’s Travels dengan mendetail dan terasa realistis. Dari POV Gulliver, kita seperti membaca buku harian sang tokoh, lengkap dengan tanggal-tanggal kejadian dan urutan peristiwa yang dialaminya. Swift juga menciptakan bahasa yang digunakan penduduk Lilliput maupun Brobdignag. Di negeri Lilliput, Gulliver dipanggil dengan sebutan Quinbus Flestrin yang berarti “Manusia Gunung Besar”. Walau pada awal kemunculannya Gulliver ditakuti rakyat Lilliput dan dianggap sebagai monster, lambat laun ia menjalin hubungan baik dengan Raja Lilliput dan beroleh kepercayaan dari Yang Mulia. Dengan sederetan syarat, termasuk bersedia membantu melawan musuh Lilliput yaitu Pulau Blefuscu, Gulliver dapat hidup di tengah-tengah rakyat Lilliput dan mendapatkan daging dan minuman sebanyak jatah 1.728 orang-orang Lilliput setiap harinya. Satu hal yang kocak adalah konflik berdarah selama bertahun-tahun antara Lilliput dan Blefuscu, yang ternyata didasari oleh persoalan remeh: masalah memecahkan telur! Dua kubu yang beroposisi adalah kubu yang memecahkan telur dari ujung yang lebih lebar (dikenal dengan kelompok Ujung-Lebar) dan kubu yang memecahkan telur dari ujung yang lebih lancip (dikenal dengan kelompok Ujung-Lancip). Menggelikan, bukan?
Pengalaman yang jauh berbeda dialami Gulliver ketika terdampar di Negeri Brobdingnag. Kali ini, Gulliver adalah manusia yang tak lebih besar daripada serangga diantara para raksasa yang menghuni Brobdingnag. Dengan ukuran sekecil itu, nyawa Gulliver terancam. Namun di tangan seorang gadis kecil anak petani yang merawat dan menjaganya dengan penuh kasih sayang, Gulliver dapat merasa aman. Gadis kecil yang dipanggil Glumdalclitch alias “perawat kecil” itu memberi nama Grildrig (yang artinya manekin) kepada Gulliver. Gulliver merasakan hari-hari yang melelahkan saat dipamerkan di kota, sampai suatu hari utusan dari istana datang dan membawa Gulliver beserta perawat kecilnya ke istana. Karena Gulliver terlalu kecil untuk memakai barang-barang yang ada di Brobdingnag, sebuah kotak kecil diciptakan sebagai “rumah” sekaligus alat untuk membawanya kemana-mana. Selama di Brobdingnag, Gulliver mengalami banyak hal termasuk kejatuhan embun yang berukuran hampir seribu delapan ratus kali ukuran embun Eropa, yang menyebabkan tubuhnya memar dan harus tinggal di tempat tidur selama sepuluh hari. Selama di Lilliput maupun Brobdingnag, Gulliver mempelajari bahasa, kebiasaan masyarakat setempat, sejarah, seni, dan juga sistem pendidikan yang berlaku di negara mereka. Apakah Gulliver bisa pulang kepada istri dan anak-anaknya setelah mengalami petualangan-petualangan tak terbayangkan di Lilliput dan Brobdingnag? Jawabannya adalah ya! Ia kemudian bepergian ke tempat-tempat aneh lain, yang sayangnya tidak ikut diterjemahkan dalam buku ini. Di balik empat perjalanan Gulliver, tersimpan satir tajam untuk pemerintahan Inggris dan Eropa pada masa itu. Terjemahan yang digarap Zuniriang Hendrato dalam buku ini tidak buruk, namun sayangnya editing dan proofreadingnya masih “longgar” dalam banyak bagian. Karena cerita Gulliver’s Travels sangat menarik dan mudah dibaca, maka empat bintang untuk buku ini.
@melmarian
http://surgabukuku.wordpress.com/2012...
1. A Voyage to Lilliput
2. A Voyage to Brobdingnag
3. A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubdrib, and Japan
4. A Voyage to the Country of the Houyhnhnms
Dua diantaranya yaitu Perjalanan ke Negeri Lilliput (negeri orang berukuran mini) dan Negeri Brobdingnag (negeri raksasa) dihimpun dalam buku yang saya baca ini. Pada awal buku, dijelaskan mengenai latar belakang Lemuel Gulliver, pekerjaan dan bidang yang ia tekuni, serta bagaimana ia memulai perjalanannya. Dikisahkan bahwa Gulliver adalah seorang pria yang gemar melakukan perjalanan. Sisanya, adalah berbagai hal yang dialami Gulliver selama berada di Negeri Lilliput dan Negeri Brobdingnag, yang mana plotnya tidak akan banyak saya bocorkan disini, lebih seru membacanya sendiri! :)
Jonathan Swift menulis Gulliver’s Travels dengan mendetail dan terasa realistis. Dari POV Gulliver, kita seperti membaca buku harian sang tokoh, lengkap dengan tanggal-tanggal kejadian dan urutan peristiwa yang dialaminya. Swift juga menciptakan bahasa yang digunakan penduduk Lilliput maupun Brobdignag. Di negeri Lilliput, Gulliver dipanggil dengan sebutan Quinbus Flestrin yang berarti “Manusia Gunung Besar”. Walau pada awal kemunculannya Gulliver ditakuti rakyat Lilliput dan dianggap sebagai monster, lambat laun ia menjalin hubungan baik dengan Raja Lilliput dan beroleh kepercayaan dari Yang Mulia. Dengan sederetan syarat, termasuk bersedia membantu melawan musuh Lilliput yaitu Pulau Blefuscu, Gulliver dapat hidup di tengah-tengah rakyat Lilliput dan mendapatkan daging dan minuman sebanyak jatah 1.728 orang-orang Lilliput setiap harinya. Satu hal yang kocak adalah konflik berdarah selama bertahun-tahun antara Lilliput dan Blefuscu, yang ternyata didasari oleh persoalan remeh: masalah memecahkan telur! Dua kubu yang beroposisi adalah kubu yang memecahkan telur dari ujung yang lebih lebar (dikenal dengan kelompok Ujung-Lebar) dan kubu yang memecahkan telur dari ujung yang lebih lancip (dikenal dengan kelompok Ujung-Lancip). Menggelikan, bukan?
Pengalaman yang jauh berbeda dialami Gulliver ketika terdampar di Negeri Brobdingnag. Kali ini, Gulliver adalah manusia yang tak lebih besar daripada serangga diantara para raksasa yang menghuni Brobdingnag. Dengan ukuran sekecil itu, nyawa Gulliver terancam. Namun di tangan seorang gadis kecil anak petani yang merawat dan menjaganya dengan penuh kasih sayang, Gulliver dapat merasa aman. Gadis kecil yang dipanggil Glumdalclitch alias “perawat kecil” itu memberi nama Grildrig (yang artinya manekin) kepada Gulliver. Gulliver merasakan hari-hari yang melelahkan saat dipamerkan di kota, sampai suatu hari utusan dari istana datang dan membawa Gulliver beserta perawat kecilnya ke istana. Karena Gulliver terlalu kecil untuk memakai barang-barang yang ada di Brobdingnag, sebuah kotak kecil diciptakan sebagai “rumah” sekaligus alat untuk membawanya kemana-mana. Selama di Brobdingnag, Gulliver mengalami banyak hal termasuk kejatuhan embun yang berukuran hampir seribu delapan ratus kali ukuran embun Eropa, yang menyebabkan tubuhnya memar dan harus tinggal di tempat tidur selama sepuluh hari. Selama di Lilliput maupun Brobdingnag, Gulliver mempelajari bahasa, kebiasaan masyarakat setempat, sejarah, seni, dan juga sistem pendidikan yang berlaku di negara mereka. Apakah Gulliver bisa pulang kepada istri dan anak-anaknya setelah mengalami petualangan-petualangan tak terbayangkan di Lilliput dan Brobdingnag? Jawabannya adalah ya! Ia kemudian bepergian ke tempat-tempat aneh lain, yang sayangnya tidak ikut diterjemahkan dalam buku ini. Di balik empat perjalanan Gulliver, tersimpan satir tajam untuk pemerintahan Inggris dan Eropa pada masa itu. Terjemahan yang digarap Zuniriang Hendrato dalam buku ini tidak buruk, namun sayangnya editing dan proofreadingnya masih “longgar” dalam banyak bagian. Karena cerita Gulliver’s Travels sangat menarik dan mudah dibaca, maka empat bintang untuk buku ini.
“…aku dapat melihat bahwa mustahil seseorang dipertimbangkan secara serius bila ukuran tubuh mereka sangat berbeda. Aku sering memperhatikan hal ini juga terjadi di Inggris setelah kepulanganku. Bila seseorang berusaha untuk membuat dirinya sendiri penting, namun ia hanya berasal dari keluarga biasa dengan sedikit uang dan pendidikan, maka ia hanya akan dilihat sebagai orang tolol. Ia juga akan menjadi bahan tertawaan.”
@melmarian
http://surgabukuku.wordpress.com/2012...
August 17, 2014
I was informed that my disgust with The Dice Man was unjustified because it is a satire. I've long known Swift to be the pre-eminent satirist - do correct me if I'm mistaken - and have come to the conclusion that satire is based on three main points:
One: obsession with bodily emissions and functions, whether they be sexual or excretory;
Two: implicit permission to say terrible and disgusting things and moreover present them as acceptable;
Three: extreme boredom for the reader.
One: obsession with bodily emissions and functions, whether they be sexual or excretory;
Two: implicit permission to say terrible and disgusting things and moreover present them as acceptable;
Three: extreme boredom for the reader.
April 2, 2015
When my mom saw me reading this book she asked, "Has he met the Giants yet?" I thought she was kidding. She was not.
I can see why, in an era of travel fiction of this sort, Swift would have found it amusing to "spoof" the genre with this story about visiting giants and pygmys. The not so subtle social commentary is interesting too, from a historical perspective. But overall it's weird. Very, very weird.
I can see why, in an era of travel fiction of this sort, Swift would have found it amusing to "spoof" the genre with this story about visiting giants and pygmys. The not so subtle social commentary is interesting too, from a historical perspective. But overall it's weird. Very, very weird.
March 9, 2013
As gulliver goes on a voyage that is written in four parts, it starts off very exciting. From A land where he is a gaint, to a land where he is surrounded by giants. It is very interesting. However, as he carries on travelling, I found it very hard to maintain this interest and it took me a while to want to read it again.
April 1, 2015
Cerita klasik yang kini menjadi favorit saya.
September 17, 2019
keren bangeeet!
December 16, 2020
My first book read in German! Pleasant fiction with a couple of interesting quotes that shows that people do not really change over time in their core behaviors.
December 30, 2021
Listened to the audiobook. Loved it.
May 8, 2022
I LOVE READING THIS BOOK. This book is written by gulliver telling his two voyages. The first voyage is where he met 15 cm less people. The second voyage is where he met 20 m more taller than him.
October 12, 2022
lustige ideen
aber alt halt, auf eine weise die mich manchmal richtig nervt
aber alt halt, auf eine weise die mich manchmal richtig nervt
July 28, 2023
Quick read. Some good lines, ending was a little boring.
February 29, 2024
Yes I finally finished it!
After 2 years of reading xD
This review is based off two parts: 1 (Lilliput) and 2 (Brobdingnag - what is that name?!)
Lilliput - 3-stars
It was interesting but took forever just to read. I also didn't really understand a few things and just didn't like that ARABS are called Arabians.They're called Arabs and if you don't learn then I'll make you learn, you freaking-
Ahem. *coughs* So that's settled.
Brobdingnag - 2 stars
Yes, I finished this section quicker. But still. I don't really like what he said about women, animals and children. Especially that seen where a boy threw a large nut at him and it missed and then was extremely super badly horribly absolutely breaking child abuse laws beaten before getting kicked out. Also I hate Gulliver more than I do in part 1.
Illustrations: None
Overall this was 2.5 stars rounded off to 3. Much better than A Vision in Crimson which I read in January.
After 2 years of reading xD
This review is based off two parts: 1 (Lilliput) and 2 (Brobdingnag - what is that name?!)
Lilliput - 3-stars
It was interesting but took forever just to read. I also didn't really understand a few things and just didn't like that ARABS are called Arabians.
Ahem. *coughs* So that's settled.
Brobdingnag - 2 stars
Yes, I finished this section quicker. But still. I don't really like what he said about women, animals and children. Especially that seen where a boy threw a large nut at him and it missed and then was extremely super badly horribly absolutely breaking child abuse laws beaten before getting kicked out. Also I hate Gulliver more than I do in part 1.
Illustrations: None
Overall this was 2.5 stars rounded off to 3. Much better than A Vision in Crimson which I read in January.
March 26, 2022
Classic book, good read. Get a modern copy for someone younger.
June 21, 2017
Saya memberi novel ini 4 bintang karena kejeniusan penulisnya membungkus gagasan, kritik, dan satirnya terhadap kehidupan sosial-politik dalam bentuk imajinasi tingkat tinggi.
Penulis mengisahkan petualangan tokoh utamanya, Gulliver, ke negeri Liliput yang ukuran penduduknya sangat kecil sehingga Gulliver terlihat seperti raksasa. Pada petualangan selanjutnya di negeri Brogdingnag, Gulliver mendapati penduduknya berbadan besar --seperti raksasa-- sehingga dirinya terlihat sangat kecil.
Dalam bentuk visualisasinya, saya teringat film Journey 2 the Mysterius Island (2012) yang merupakan adaptasi gabungan karya Jules Verne dan Jonathan Swiff ini. Dalam film tersebut, ada sekelompok gajah yang ukurannya sangat kecil. Ada pula sekelompok kupu-kupu, burung, dan kadal yang ukurannya sangat besar.
Adaptasi filmnya berjudul sama yang rilis tahun 2010 dan dibintangi oleh Jack Black justru tidak terlalu menarik bagi saya.
Novel yang minim dialog ini sangat menarik. Gulliver --dalam setiap petualangannya-- mempelajari dan memahami tata nilai kehidupan masyarakat lain yang sering bertolak belakang dengan pandangannya atau pandangan umum di negeri asalnya. Di sinilah si penulis mengungkapkan kritik dan satirnya terhadap nilai-nilai kehidupan nyata pada masanya.
Saya cantumkan kutipan menarik di sini:
"Bila seseorang dapat membuat dua tanaman jagung tumbuh pada tempat yang biasanya hanya dapat ditanami satu, kata Raja, ia akan memberi negaranya jauh lebih banyak daripada yang diberikan oleh semua politisi dijadikan satu."
Penulis mengisahkan petualangan tokoh utamanya, Gulliver, ke negeri Liliput yang ukuran penduduknya sangat kecil sehingga Gulliver terlihat seperti raksasa. Pada petualangan selanjutnya di negeri Brogdingnag, Gulliver mendapati penduduknya berbadan besar --seperti raksasa-- sehingga dirinya terlihat sangat kecil.
Dalam bentuk visualisasinya, saya teringat film Journey 2 the Mysterius Island (2012) yang merupakan adaptasi gabungan karya Jules Verne dan Jonathan Swiff ini. Dalam film tersebut, ada sekelompok gajah yang ukurannya sangat kecil. Ada pula sekelompok kupu-kupu, burung, dan kadal yang ukurannya sangat besar.
Adaptasi filmnya berjudul sama yang rilis tahun 2010 dan dibintangi oleh Jack Black justru tidak terlalu menarik bagi saya.
Novel yang minim dialog ini sangat menarik. Gulliver --dalam setiap petualangannya-- mempelajari dan memahami tata nilai kehidupan masyarakat lain yang sering bertolak belakang dengan pandangannya atau pandangan umum di negeri asalnya. Di sinilah si penulis mengungkapkan kritik dan satirnya terhadap nilai-nilai kehidupan nyata pada masanya.
Saya cantumkan kutipan menarik di sini:
"Bila seseorang dapat membuat dua tanaman jagung tumbuh pada tempat yang biasanya hanya dapat ditanami satu, kata Raja, ia akan memberi negaranya jauh lebih banyak daripada yang diberikan oleh semua politisi dijadikan satu."
October 2, 2014
Buku ini bercerita tentang perjalanan Gulliver yang tanpa sengaja terdampar di dua negeri yang sangat-sangat berbeda dengan negeri yang ia tinggal, baik secara fisik maupun kebudayaan didalamnya.
Negeri Liliput yang penuh dengan manusia-manusia kecil dan Negeri Brobdingnag yang penuh dengan manusia-manusia raksasa.
Saya menyukai cara Jonathan Swift menggambarkan secara detail setiap hal yang dilihat dan dialami oleh Gulliver, deskripsi itu termasuk ukuran benda-benda, orang-orang yang dilihatnya. Sehingga tidak sulit membayangkan kehidupan Gulliver ketika berada di kedua negeri tersebut.
Saya hanya mengeluhkan kenyataan bahwa buku ini ternyata hanya memuat 2 dari 4 tempat yang pernah didatangi oleh Gulliver. Dan hal itu jelas membuat saya penasaran untuk membaca 2 tempat yang lainnya.
Negeri Liliput yang penuh dengan manusia-manusia kecil dan Negeri Brobdingnag yang penuh dengan manusia-manusia raksasa.
Saya menyukai cara Jonathan Swift menggambarkan secara detail setiap hal yang dilihat dan dialami oleh Gulliver, deskripsi itu termasuk ukuran benda-benda, orang-orang yang dilihatnya. Sehingga tidak sulit membayangkan kehidupan Gulliver ketika berada di kedua negeri tersebut.
Saya hanya mengeluhkan kenyataan bahwa buku ini ternyata hanya memuat 2 dari 4 tempat yang pernah didatangi oleh Gulliver. Dan hal itu jelas membuat saya penasaran untuk membaca 2 tempat yang lainnya.
Teman kecilku Grildrig, kau telah menceritakan tentang negaramu dengan sangat bangga dan jelas bahwa kau sangat mencintainya. Kau telah menghabiskan begiu banyak waktu untuk melakukan perjalanan mungkin karena kau ingin lari dari kebiasaan buruk orang-orang disekitarmu. Dari seluruh jawaban yang telah kauberikan pada pertanyaanku, aku memiliki pendapat bahwa orang-orangmu adalah serangga kecil paling mengerikan yang merangkan di atas permukaan bumi.
February 27, 2019
Gulliver terdampar di suatu tempat setelah kapal yang ditumpanginya mengalami kecelakaan. Ia menemukan dirinya terikat saat siuman dan dikelilingi manusia-manusia berukuran kecil. Rupanya ia berada di negara Liliput. Lain waktu Gulliver terdampar di negeri Brobdingnag, negeri yang seluruh penghuninya berukuran raksasa. Pengalaman di dua wilayah berbeda itu memberi banyak pelajaran dan pengalaman berharga bagi Gulliver.
***
Kisah ringan yang terlahir dari imajinasi menakjubkan. Dengan Gulliver sebagai narator yang menceritakan kisah di dalamnya, pembaca dibawa pada makhluk-makhluk dan peradaban yang unik. Seperti bagaimana cara berbeda memecahkan telur bisa menjadi penyebab perang. Pilihan diksinya sederhana dan mudah dicerna. Beberapa hal teramat detail sehingga agak membosankan. Typo-nya lumayan menjamur. Pesan-pesan yang diselipkan di sepanjang kisah cukup mengena. Tiga bintang.
***
***
Kisah ringan yang terlahir dari imajinasi menakjubkan. Dengan Gulliver sebagai narator yang menceritakan kisah di dalamnya, pembaca dibawa pada makhluk-makhluk dan peradaban yang unik. Seperti bagaimana cara berbeda memecahkan telur bisa menjadi penyebab perang. Pilihan diksinya sederhana dan mudah dicerna. Beberapa hal teramat detail sehingga agak membosankan. Typo-nya lumayan menjamur. Pesan-pesan yang diselipkan di sepanjang kisah cukup mengena. Tiga bintang.
***
August 12, 2017
Apa jadinya kalau kita terdampar di negeri yang dihuni oleh manusia serta makhluk-makhluk dengan ukuran yang tidak normal? Pastinya akan banyak kejadian yang luar biasa. Itulah yang dialami Gulliver saat terdampar di negeri para liliput dan juga negeri para raksasa.
Katanya sih, di versi aslinya, ada empat perjalanan Gulliver. Tapi, di buku ini cuma ada dua di antaranya. Serunya lagi, salah satu kota di Indonesia, Maluku, juga disebutkan di buku ini. Yang bikin kurang seru dan nggak asyik bacanya hanyalah typo yang bertebaran. :(
Katanya sih, di versi aslinya, ada empat perjalanan Gulliver. Tapi, di buku ini cuma ada dua di antaranya. Serunya lagi, salah satu kota di Indonesia, Maluku, juga disebutkan di buku ini. Yang bikin kurang seru dan nggak asyik bacanya hanyalah typo yang bertebaran. :(
August 30, 2012
a heroic cycle featuring Gulliver and his crew that disappears. he finds himself woken up in the middle of a strange land called Lilliput and he is a giant compared to them. the civilization traps him and he befriends a princess and eventually earns their trust. he then decides to write all about them on his way home and reaches the conclusion that he wont ever be able to prove that they existed since he cant find them again.
February 1, 2018
I thought it was funny. Both Lilliput and Brobdingnag had their own appeals. I enjoyed so much the danger he felt in being surrounded by Giant everything and returning home to think everyone/thing proportional to him amazing, delicate and small. He came home with the same view as the people of Brobdingnag had of him. My only question is Why keep traveling? Which is the very question that was raised in the next part if you read the complete Gulliver's travels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2014
I only read Part 1. I thought it was incredibly dull and the events that might have been exciting were portrayed in a way that made not so. However, I feel like the idea of Lilliput etc. would make a really interesting book if it was written by a YA author as I think it would be very unique and thought provoking
March 8, 2013
Apparently the version I was reading was only 2 parts of the whole ! I had no idea
It's a bit slow
I'll read the rest later .. I'm disappointed because I thought I was done with this torture ..
Reading it as a part of and English Literature course !
I hate the 18th Century :(
It's a bit slow
I'll read the rest later .. I'm disappointed because I thought I was done with this torture ..
Reading it as a part of and English Literature course !
I hate the 18th Century :(
August 3, 2014
For all the kiddie movies that have been made of Gulliver's Travels, this is not a children's book. The political satire permeates every chapter, and it's a much more interesting read than any movie made about the book.
August 17, 2014
I don't think I ever read Gulliver's Travels before.
First he is a giant, then he is tiny, then the dominant people are horses.
Yes it is weird, how did he write this in the 1700's. Lots of the words he invented are in our vocabulary, although rare.
Worth breezing through.
First he is a giant, then he is tiny, then the dominant people are horses.
Yes it is weird, how did he write this in the 1700's. Lots of the words he invented are in our vocabulary, although rare.
Worth breezing through.
November 6, 2021
Een klassieker die het ruimschoots verdient een klassieker te zijn en nog steeds erg leuk om te lezen!
March 8, 2011
Full version has much more than the abridged. Good read. Lots of politcal references to things going on in the times. Or at least that is how it felt
December 18, 2012
Interesting to revisit since the last time I read it was high school or college.
February 3, 2013
I "siege" read this (twice over in about a 5 day period) in 1967 at the age of 11. I was stuck in a foster home and this book provided me with almost a week of relative peace and amazement.
November 7, 2013
A childhood memory <3
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